TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons Review

TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons Review

*Editor’s Choice

TaylorMade created high standards for their irons over the last few years, specifically with the release of the RocketBallz and RocketBladez irons. And the SpeedBlade Irons, released in late 2013, are TaylorMade’s next generation of high-performance irons.

While a TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons set is not ideal for high-skill players, the clubs are extremely forgiving and will produce excellent distance and results for the mid- to low-handicap golfers.

Technology (9 out of 10)

TaylorMade’s SpeedBlade Irons are loaded with technology, beginning with an elongated “Speed Pocket,” which is the Carlsbad, Calif., company’s own hallowed clubhead design, intended (and I believe successfully) for faster ball speeds across the entire clubface.

In addition, TaylorMade placed a lower center of gravity (CG) to launch the ball higher at impact. The TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons set is engineered to reduce vibrations for exceptional feel and sound with a polymer and multi-material badge in the Speed Pocket.

Finally, the SpeedBlade is designed to control distance, trajectory, spin, feel and sound with consistent distance gaps between each individual iron. It appears TaylorMade improved the technology for improved launch, spin, feel, sound and control so I’d rate it very high from an innovation standpoint.

Some details on TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket design, which was introduced with the notably forgiving 2013 SpeedBlade Irons.

Looks (8 out of 10)

TaylorMade’s SpeedBlade Irons feature a slight progressive offset from the long irons to the short irons. The TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons have a thicker topline with its longer irons to promote forgiveness and then a thinner topline in the short that irons to allow for better feel, control and workability.

The SpeedBlade Irons have a nice two-tone, satin nickel chrome finish with what’s described as dark smoke satin ion plating. The cavity of the iron uses a blue stripe to contrast the darker colors.

Visually, there is no glare and the irons frame the ball really nice at address. I’d give them a B for looks.

TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons were released in late 2013 and well received.

Performance (9 out of 10)

I tested the TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons with the stock 85 steel shaft and stock SpeedBlade black rubber grip. The 85-gram stock shaft with 1.7 degrees of torque is designed to produce a high trajectory. As advertised, the SpeedBlade produce an extremely high launch and ball flight.

In addition, the irons create a very solid “crack” at impact (Now that’s a nice sound.) with a consistent feel across the entire clubface. In fact, the sweet spot feels like it reaches across the entire face.

The ball flight basically is straight and shots travel with minimal movement. Off-center shots still travel long, high and straight.

I’d say that the distance is longer than average, similar to the previous RocketBallz and RocketBladez irons, except with a higher launch. While the clubs are not very workable left or right, I was still able to control trajectory and hit a few knockdown shots. The SpeedBlade irons are a home run for a mid to high handicap player searching for more consistency and rate 9 out of 10 in performance.

Here’s a look at TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket design from the SpeedBlade Irons’ topline.

Final Thoughts (Overall: 9 out of 10)

As a low-handicap golfer, I might pass on the SpeedBlade Irons. However, I recommend one of TaylorMade’s latest irons sets for a mid- to high-handicap player looking for more control, higher ball flight and more distance.

The 2014 TaylorMade SpeedBlade Irons are extremely easy to hit and forgiving.

Purchase a set of eight irons in steel for $799 or $899 in graphite. Overall, they perform very solid and the price point is directly in line with the competition. The SpeedBlade Irons also rate very high for me in value.